First assessment of the potential introduction by hunters of eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) in Spain

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 571 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Delibes-Mateos ◽  
F. Castro ◽  
V. Piorno ◽  
E. Ramírez ◽  
J. A. Blanco-Aguiar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Propagule Pressure ◽  
Population Control ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
European Rabbit ◽  
Sylvilagus Floridanus ◽  
Monitoring Networks ◽  
Game Species ◽  
Eastern Cottontail ◽  
Rate Of Success

Context Humans have introduced lagomorph species in areas outside their native ranges for their meat, fur or value as game species. Assessing the rate of success of lagomorph introductions is vital to address the ecological damage they may cause. Cases of failed lagomorph introductions in apparently suitable areas may also shed light on mechanisms that may deter invasion, which are useful in developing strategies for population control. In Spain, it has been suggested that hunters introduced the non-native eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) to compensate for the recent drastic declines of the native European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Aims Our main goals were to investigate (1) whether Sylvilagus rabbits have indeed been introduced by hunters across Spain, and (2) whether the species has become established in Spanish ecosystems. Methods We interviewed 311 hunters or naturalists across Spain. The questionnaires inquired about the characteristics of game management in each locality, including the frequency of rabbit restocking, and particularly whether Sylvilagus rabbits had been released in the surveyed localities. In addition, we sampled 192 rabbit populations (n=3974 individuals) across Spain by using molecular analysis to determine whether Sylvilagus rabbits were present in these areas. Key results Our interview results suggest that Sylvilagus rabbits may have been released in 6% of the 311 localities surveyed. However, molecular analyses failed to confirm their persistence, because all samples belonged to O. cuniculus. Conclusions We infer that Sylvilagus rabbits failed to establish themselves in Spain, although interviewees reported their introduction. Several reasons may explain the unsuccessful establishment of this species, such as a low propagule pressure, competition with native species, predation, inability to cope with local pathogens and unsuitable climatic conditions. Implications The risk of future introductions of non-native game species can be reduced through the implementation of stricter regulations of animal releases into the wild. Long-term monitoring networks should be developed to help identify non-native game species before they become established and spread to neighbouring areas, thereby preventing any ecological or economic impacts these species may cause.

scholarly journals First estimates of survival and densities of invasive alien Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) in Italy: a capture-recapture approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacopo Cerri ◽  
Sandro Bertolino
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
High Survival ◽  
Sylvilagus Floridanus ◽  
Open Population ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Eastern Cottontail ◽  
Selection Of

The Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) has become invasive in Central and Northern Italy, where it affects prey-predator dynamics between native species. Although many different studies explored survival rates and the density of cottontails in North America, no information is available for its invasive range. Between December 2003 and October 2005, a capture-recapture scheme for Eastern cottontails was enforced on the Orba River, Italy. We fitted an open-population Cormack-Jolly-Seber model to estimate survival of adult individuals (n=258) and their density in the study area. Adult cottontails showed a constant survival (phi = 0.84 ± 0.02) across the various sessions, as well as between individuals of different sexes. Capture probabilities and densities varied seasonally, with densities ranging between 2.06 ± 1.24 and 8.00 ± 4.60 cottontails/hectare, with an average of 4.72 individuals/hectare.Eastern cottontails are characterized by high survival and high densities, in their invaded range in Italy. Although densities are comparable to those reported in North America, our analysis focused on adult cottontails only and overall densities are certainly higher. Moreover, our estimates, obtained through a capture-recapture approach, were higher than those reported in previous studies from Italy that adopted nocturnal spotlight censuses. Spotlight transects are likely to underestimate cottontail densities, due to nocturnal habitat selection of cottontails, which might decrease their detectability.

scholarly journals First estimates of survival and densities of invasive alien Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) in Italy: a Bayesian robust design approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacopo Cerri ◽  
Laura Gola ◽  
Aurelio Perrone ◽  
Sandro Bertolino
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Robust Design ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
High Survival ◽  
Sylvilagus Floridanus ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Eastern Cottontail ◽  
Selection Of

The Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) has become invasive in Central and Northern Italy, where it affects prey-predator dynamics between native species. Although many different studies explored survival rates and the density of cottontails in North America, no information is available for its invasive range. Between December 2003 and October 2005, a capture-recapture scheme for Eastern cottontails was enforced on the Orba River, Italy. We fitted a Bayesian version of the Pollock’s Closed Robust Design to estimate the survival of adult male and female cottontails (n=258) and their density in the study area. Adult cottontails showed minor seasonal differences in survival, with no clear differences between males and females. Densities varied seasonally, with females having higher densities (min = 80 individuals/km2; max = 553 individuals/km2) than males (min = 56 individuals/km2; max = 337 individuals/km2).Eastern cottontails are characterized by high survival and high densities, at least when adults, in their invaded range in Italy. Although densities are comparable to those reported in North America, our analysis focused on adult cottontails only and overall densities are certainly higher. Moreover, our estimates, obtained through a capture-recapture approach, were higher than those reported in previous studies from Italy based on nocturnal spotlight censuses. Spotlight transects are likely to underestimate cottontail densities, due to nocturnal habitat selection of cottontails, which might decrease their detectability.

scholarly journals Golden jackal, a natural disperser or an invasive alien species in Slovakia? A summary within European context

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-99
Author(s):  
Peter Urban ◽  
Nuno Guimarães ◽  
Jozef Bučko
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Central And Eastern Europe ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
European Population ◽  
Golden Jackal ◽  
Game Species ◽  
Fast Adaptation ◽  
Natural Expansion ◽  
Fast Increase

AbstractThis summary provides an overview of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) categorization in Europe with particular focus on its presence in Slovakia. The distribution range of this species in Europe has been expanding in recent decades. Currently, European population is in constant and fast increase, widening their ranges towards Central and Eastern Europe and more recently in some western countries. All over Europe, the categorization of the golden jackal status is discussed with some controversial. A recent genetic study helped to determine that golden jackals do not meet the established three criteria, which categorize a species as an invasive alien species. In Slovakia, golden jackals’ numbers grown considerably in the last decade and with an increasing of their distribution through the country it became a permanent species of the Slovak fauna. The only internal status is the hunting Act no. 274/2009, which classifies it as, game species. The fast adaptation and dispersion through Slovakia can be considered similar to the behaviour of an invasive species, as suggested in previous studies in Hungary. Based on widely accepted definitions, agreed under international legal instruments, it is quite clear that the term ‘Invasive Alien Species’ only encompasses non-native species specifically introduced by humans (intentionally or accidentally). Following this Invasive Alien Species terminology, golden jackals cannot be categorized as such in Slovakia. The natural expansion, the growing ranges, and the increase in numbers of the golden jackal in Slovakia in the last decades points to a need to improve the knowledge of the species.

scholarly journals Sex-Bias in Prenatal Parental Investment in the Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)

1997 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 1164-1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. Verts ◽  
L. N. Carraway ◽  
R. L. Green
Keyword(s):  
Parental Investment ◽  
Sex Bias ◽  
Sylvilagus Floridanus ◽  
Eastern Cottontail

Managing problem wildlife in the ‘Old World’: a veterinary perspective

1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Artois
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Game Species ◽  
Domestic Species ◽  
Stray Dog ◽  
Methods Of Control

This paper focuses on mammalian pest species mainly in Europe and Africa and on implications for animal health, human safety, wildlife management and animal welfare. Three examples of problem species are presented: the wild boar (Sus scrofa), the stray dog (Canis familiaris) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Several species are reservoirs or vectors of transmissible diseases of man and of economically valuable domestic species. The control of these and other infections and the limitation of the nuisance or damage caused by these pest species involves lethal or non-lethal methods which are briefly reviewed. Some control measures require veterinary expertise, and veterinary involvement in managing problem species is likely to increase. With regard to fertility control, methods are considered which will allow an appropriate choice of the best technique for the management of problem animals in various habitats. For desirable native species, traditional methods of control, especially hunting in the case of game species, is preferable to contraception. For exotic or feral species, control of fertility seems to be a worthwhile option.

Discussion session: Prospects and challenges

1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 179
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Game Species ◽  
Domestic Species ◽  
Stray Dog ◽  
Methods Of Control

This paper focuses on mammalian pest species mainly in Europe and Africa and on implications for animal health, human safety, wildlife management and animal welfare. Three examples of problem species are presented: the wild boar (Sus scrofa), the stray dog (Canis familiaris) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Several species are reservoirs or vectors of transmissible diseases of man and of economically valuable domestic species. The control of these and other infections and the limitation of the nuisance or damage caused by these pest species involves lethal or non-lethal methods which are briefly reviewed. Some control measures require veterinary expertise, and veterinary involvement in managing problem species is likely to increase. With regard to fertility control, methods are considered which will allow an appropriate choice of the best technique for the management of problem animals in various habitats. For desirable native species, traditional methods of control, especially hunting in the case of game species, is preferable to contraception. For exotic or feral species, control of fertility seems to be a worthwhile option.

scholarly journals Germination and performance of seven native wildflowers in the Mediterranean landscape plantings

2017 ◽  
pp. 163-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Scarici ◽  
Roberto Ruggeri ◽  
Maria Elena Provenzano ◽  
Francesco Rossini
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Mediterranean Environment ◽  
Seed Collection ◽  
Marginal Areas ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Aesthetic

The use of native species in landscape design is a choice related to environmental sustainability and it contributes to the aesthetic appeal of urban and marginal areas. However, to date, the lack of knowledge of the ecological characteristics and agronomic practices of these species, represents a limit for their use. This study aims to obtain information about germination ecology, morphological traits and ornamental value of 7 selected perennial native taxa, with potential use in meadows seed mixtures for the Mediterranean environment. Seed germination for each taxon was assessed under different conditions (temperature, photoperiod and pre-treatment) in a controlled environment, while data on plant performances was collected from field plots. In general, the dormant seeds showed a positive response to pre-treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3) and chilling within a period of about six months from the time of seed collection. The dependence of germination on light and temperature was observed in most of the tested taxa. Differences in plant height and flowering dynamics gave practical directions in terms of combining seeds of different species to create and maintain a wildflower meadow in low-maintenance areas. Crepis bursifolia L. and Hypochaeris radicata L. were the only two species, which showed good persistence during the two-year field study and met the aesthetic requirements of low-input Mediterranean landscaping. Our study by adding original findings to the limited knowledge available on wildflower sowing in the Mediterranean environment, contributes to the development of sustainable strategies in the greening projects designed for those peculiar climatic conditions.

Developing minimal-input techniques for invasive plant management: perimeter treatments enlarge native grass patches

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-113
Author(s):  
Scott R. Abella ◽  
Lindsay P. Chiquoine ◽  
Jeremy M. Moss ◽  
Eric D. Lassance ◽  
Charles D. Schelz
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Plant Management ◽  
Native Grasses ◽  
Native Grass ◽  
Invasive Plant Management ◽  
Wide Ring

AbstractThere is a continual need for invasive plant science to develop approaches for cost-effectively benefiting native over nonnative species in dynamic management and biophysical contexts, including within predominantly nonnative plant landscapes containing only small patches of native plants. Our objective was to test the effectiveness of a minimal-input strategy for enlarging native species patches within a nonnative plant matrix. In Pecos National Historical Park, New Mexico, USA, we identified 40 native perennial grass patches within a matrix of the nonnative annual forb kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott]. We mechanically cut B. scoparia in a 2-m-wide ring surrounding the perimeters of half the native grass patches (with the other half as uncut controls) and measured change in native grass patch size (relative to pretreatment) for 3 yr. Native grass patches around which B. scoparia was cut grew quickly the first posttreatment year and by the third year had increased in size four times more than control patches. Treated native grass patches expanded by an average of 25 m2, from 4 m2 in October 2015 before treatment to 29 m2 in October 2018. The experiment occurred during a dry period, conditions that should favor B. scoparia and contraction of the native grasses, suggesting that the observed increase in native grasses occurred despite suboptimal climatic conditions. Strategically treating around native patches to enlarge them over time showed promise as a minimal-input technique for increasing the proportion of the landscape dominated by native plants.

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